Tuesday, March 1, 2005

GOTCHA!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here they are:

Sydney 1
Sydney 2
Sydney 3
Sydney 4Sydney 5

We awoke early in Hong Kong and checked out after a wonderful breakfast buffet. Conversation around the breakfast tables tended to center on the fact that no matter how nice the hotel or interesting the tour the day before, they were not sufficient to distract us from the anticipation and uncertainty around today. We left Hong Kong just before noon, and made the short flight (on an airplane intended for short people) to Nanchang. We were met by our agency's representative, James, and drove the 30 minutes or so to our hotel. On the way, James told us about the province, the city of Nanchang, and informed us that our daughters would be brought to our hotel at 5:30pm. In between, we had to sit down for a few hours and discuss the itinerary for our time in Nanchang and the procedures and ceremonies we would be part of. At 5:00, we were allowed to go back to our rooms and prepare for the phone call that would indicate that the orphanage staff had arrived at the hotel.

After unpacking and trying to get our room ready, we sat down to pray, only to have the phone ring within 5 seconds. Down we went to the conference room, and stood around peering through the partially open door wondering when we would get to go in and meet Sydney. They let all the families in, and called us one by one to receive our little girls. While Amy and I were waiting for our names to be called, we both picked out Sydney as the one smiling across the room in our general direction. Our name was called, and they put her into our arms!

The first meeting went very smoothly, with Sydney being perfectly content to sit and stare at us while some of the babies around us cried and wailed. She even graced us with a smile and a laugh before we left the conference room. Despite crying when we tried to lay her down to change her, and generally not liking being set down, she has been very content, and really seemed to enjoy the Snuggli.

They also gave us back a blanket and a stuffed animal we had mailed over after the Referral in January, as well as two disposable cameras and a questionnaire which we will have to have translated but will hopefully tell us a great deal about her daily routine.

We took her down to the Registration Interview and then went to the hotel restaurant to find her some rice and noodles. Now we are back in the room, having just put her down for the night. Overall, things could not have gone more smoothly, given that we are both newbies to this whole parenthood thing. Fortunately, Deb is along to help out and share some wisdom.

There is a ton more to tell, but hopefully the photos will convey the joy with which Sydney has joined our family. Thank you for all of your prayers. We have felt the peace and comfort of knowing that our God is in control and is hearing the prayers of his saints. There are still some challenges ahead as we see how Sydney will bond and accept us, so continue praying for God's grace and direction.

Tomorrow, we will go to the Civil Affairs Bureau to officially register the adoption, at which point it will be complete in the eyes of the Chinese government. We will spend another 6 days here while the paperwork is processed, and we will continue to keep everyone posted.

53 comments:

betsy said...

Thank You, Jesus!!!
I love you guys!
betsy

Rosemary Raley said...

WOW! And PRAISE GOD! He has done a great thing! Your own smiles truly are worth a thousand words...and her smile is beautiful. Of course Sydney doesn't know what she is experiencing, but it is truly God's love through the two of you and Deb. It has to feel wonderful to her, without her knowing why. And, by the way, she surely does look comfortable in the snugli on your chest, Rollin, and in your arms, Amy! Can't wait to hear more. Love you all, Mom

Carolyn said...

Amy & Rollin and Deb, what wonderful news! Sydney is beautiful- can't wait to meet her and welcome her to the family in person! We're praying for the rest of your trip- love, Carolyn

Kate said...

God's blessings on you all & Sydney. I thank God for His provisions & faithfulness.
I have printed the pictures, put them on the wall by the computer, & will continue to pray for you. I had a hard time going to sleep last night because I kept thinking about you all.

Julie Joe said...

Wow! I think I am going to cry! I am so happy for you. She is finally here! Your pictures show us all the joy that you feel and bring you bring us into this special time for the 3 of you. I am so glad that you have your daughter in your loving arms (and snuggli) and you can't begin the awsome adventure of raising your little girl. I can't wait to see you all together you look so great as a family.
I just want to eat you up! All Our love, Julie

Greg & Christine said...

Wonderful! We're so happy for you, Rollin and Amy!

Greg & Christine said...

Wonderful! We're so happy for you, Rollin and Amy!

Tonya said...

We are so happy for you!!!! The pictures are great! We will continue to keep ya'll in our prayers. You guys are going to be GREAT PARENTS! Have a safe trip home and we'll see then.

Love ya
Tonya

Mark, Susan, Avery, Jordan, Jeremy and Samantha said...

Praise God! We are so excited for you and thankful that everything seems to be going so smoothly. It is so comforting to know that God is sovereign and that He perfectly placed Sydney into your family. She is certainly blessed to have you as parents! And, she sure is a cutie:)
We love you!

Jason Joe said...

Congrats! She's so beautiful! I love the picture of her smiling in Amy's arms. What a blessing to finally have her in your arms.

All the best,
Jason

Scott and Diana said...

Wow! I can't believe this!!!! What a blessing to stumble across your website today (March 1), and to hear of your incredible news! We are so thrilled for you and are praying for you and this new journey you have begun. Love, Scott and Diana Karafin

Uncle Edward said...

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you both and Sydney. You both are already wonderful parents. And just so you know, they won't be handing you an instruction manual before you leave. They next 20 years will be "fly by wire".

Joan said...

Dear Parents-(Doesn't that sound wonderful!)I was folding clothes and beaming, thinking about the fact that she should be in your arms by now, when Jim called down the hall to say the pictures had come in. All three of you look so happy! I especially love the one where she is smiling in your arms, Amy, and the one where she is studying your face, Rollin. Finally, the three of you are blessed with each other. She is a very lucky girl. I look forward to introducing her to our joint passion, horses.
Speaking of which, my new 16 hand baby needs brakes. I bought him a Happy Mouth bit, since he has been ridden in a hackamore. He needs more wrinkles on the bit and a tighter curb chain. Amy, he's an Eowyn! We went down twice in the lake, in a split second! A very wet ride. Such fun!
I wish I wasn't going to be gone when you get back here but I look forward to seeing your new little family member when I get back off vacation. With the two of you as you are, I just know that the bonding will go well. Welcome to parenthood!-Joan

Ruth and Mitchell said...

Sydney looks so happy to be with her Daddy in the snugli and in her Mommy's arms! :) WOW! We're so excited and cannot wait to say hello to this beautiful little girl

Bill Peck said...

Amen!! to all the comments above (and probably to those that will appear below, too). God is good. Joy abounds!!

Carla Raley said...

Praise the Lord! She will be such a joy for you both! The pics are wonderful, and I have shown them to everyone here at my office. We all are praying that this will be a time of enrichment and fulfillment. You all look so happy and we just cant wait for you to get back so we can welcome Sydney to the family. She will have so much promise and hope with parents like y'all! God Bless You All!

Julie Tally & family said...

Hallelujah!! Congratulations! We are all so excited for you. That is the biggest smile I have ever seen on Amy's face. Y'all are smiling, and I'm crying (with joy, of course). We all look forward to meeting your adorable baby. Welcome to the world of parenting (and all of the unsolicited parental advice from friends and family!) :-)

Julie Tally & family said...

Hallelujah!! Congratulations! We are all so excited for you. That is the biggest smile I have ever seen on Amy's face. Y'all are smiling, and I'm crying (with joy, of course). We all look forward to meeting your adorable baby. Welcome to the world of parenting (and all of the unsolicited parental advice from friends and family!) :-)

Liz Joe said...

Wow! I am so truly blessed by your joy. Thanks so much for sharing all the pictures and stories. It's so incredible to be a part of this. Sydney is adorable and I can hardly wait to get to know her.
Liz

bob & marian said...

Marian & I have traveled all over the world with many wonderful experiences, but none to compare with yours. You have snached a precious little life from an unknown future to an abundant life.
God is Good.

Bob & Marian

bob & marian said...

Marian & I have traveled all over the world with many wonderful experiences, but none to compare with yours. You have snached a precious little life from an unknown future to an abundant life.
God is Good.

Bob & Marian

Kari said...

Hurry home with that wonderful, beautiful little girl! Her aunt wants some kisses!! And so do Abby and Savannah!!! *grin* I love you guys...I can't believe how much God has blessed this family. Hurry home!

Tiana said...

I see rosie red cheeks already run in the family - tee hee. BEEEEEEAUTIFUL.......

Our prayers for her to quickly bond will continue and like everyone else, we can't wait to see her. She's absolutely PRECIOUS!

Dawn said...

Hello Dad.
Hello Mom.
Hello Daughter.
Hello beautiful, beautiful God.
I hope the 4 of you are having a wonderful time.
(Grandma, too!)

Love, Dawn

Aunt Fly said...

Joy, joy, joy! What a happy baby she seems to be! Her red cheecks remind me of Anna's at that age. I am so looking forward to seeing her and the two of you. The happy look on her face tells me she will fit right in with the whole family. What a bessing for you and for all of us, too.

Love,

Fly

Krista said...

She looks so healthy and happy. Praise God! I look forward to holding her ... but I'll be sure to prepare myself to stand in a long line. : )

Love the papoose look, Rollin!

Krista

Lisa,and the rest of us said...

I am in tears looking over your pictures! Congratulations Mom and Dad!!! You all are so beautiful together!

kim said...

Congratulations! I am so thrilled for the both of you. Sydney is beautiful, she is so blessed to have the both of you for parents. I am so excited to meet my new niece!!! Be safe and we will see you soon. Love, Kim

Jane said...

Rollin, Amy and Sydney,

May God Bless you ten thousand times over for each tear of joy shed as we behold your joy. Thank you for sharing this moment. God speed you home.
Jane

Gary, Kathleen, Beth and Rebecca said...

Just a note to say thank you for sharing your miracle with all of us! God has beautifully orchestrated every detail and we can see from your faces your hearts are full of song. We are dancing for joy over your good news. Let the music continue!

Robert said...

Rollin,

I'm beginning to wonder if that HUGE grin will ever subside ..... :-) I'm so happy for you guys and really appreciate getting the updates. I look forward to seeing you when you return.

God IS good !

Robert

Melissa said...

Praise God! What an incredible, beautiful thing He has done.

Ginger said...

You have reached a destination and started on a journey at the same time. Enjoy the ride.
Love your family photos.
Ginger

Dad and Diane said...

You could not have noticed it but your server probably slowed down quite a bit today from all of the hits from BNSF. People were sticking their heads in the door all day to express their joy for you. How did they know? Well, I had to pass the URL to some folks and they sent it to others and, well, you know how it goes. Problem was I could not consistently keep my eyes dry all day. Diane and Maddie are beaming. Sydney is blessed to have you and we are all blessed to have Sydney in our lives.

Love,

Dad

Lois Layton said...

Thank you! for sharing this wonderful blessing with all of us. We can hardly wait to see her and her new mom and dad. Hurry home, we'll keep praying for a safe and joyous return. Much Love, Lois

Claire Patterson said...

My favorite part of today: Seeing the pictures of "Syndy".

Anna & Clint said...

Such a cute baby! We especially love how she's giving Rollin the stare down in the second picture. She looks like she won't take any guff. We're so excited for you guys. What an awesome experience! What a great family you are already making.

Come home fast, Sydney. We want to meet you!

Anna & Clint said...

Such a cute baby! We especially love how she's giving Rollin the stare down in the second picture. She looks like she won't take any guff. We're so excited for you guys. What an awesome experience! What a great family you are already making.

Come home fast, Sydney. We want to meet you!

Brenda and Mark said...

Wow, I feel like I was there with you Amy. My eyes are a little tearful right now. I must say you three look perfect together, and what a beautiful baby. Your smiles tell the long story of the journey. You will laugh to hear that I was told today your pics were on the web by Jimel (sp). He saw the pictures at your office. We showed Jacob and he babbled a delightful squeal of approval. We are praying for you and are so thankful for our friendship.

George Peregoy said...

We were at the doctors' office today and was told about your delightful day and the pictures were being shown with great joy. We are so very happy for you and your family. May God bless. George snd Jeff

George Peregoy said...

We were at the doctors' office today and was told about your delightful day and the pictures were being shown with great joy. We are so very happy for you and your family. May God bless. George snd Jeff

Mark Trigsted said...

Wow.... What a JOY!!!

We have been thinking about and praying for you! Cant wait to hold her! God is so good... Hurry Back!

Love,
Mark, Lisa and the Kids

Paula Ea said...

What an encouragement of God's grace! Thanks for sharing this whole experience with all of us who are praying for you. He is so AWESOME! Sydney is beautiful and I am having to hold back my tears of joy as I read this (since I am at work). I can't wait to meet Sydney and hey, you never know, Sam and her may hit it off! (:

Love,
Paula, Leng and Sam

Mark, Sheryl, Jacob, Holly, Matthew & Hannah said...

Hello! I tried to call Deb today and found out she is there with you all! What a wonderful surprize to see such smiling faces...I can see she looks happy and healthy, what a blessing. Oh how many memories are ahead of you. Count your many blessings she is precious!

Mark, Sheryl, Jacob, Holly, Matthew & Hannah said...

Hello! I tried to call Deb today and found out she is there with you all! What a wonderful surprize to see such smiling faces...I can see she looks happy and healthy, what a blessing. Oh how many memories are ahead of you. Count your many blessings she is precious!

The Noordhoff Family said...

Friends, family and even strangers are celebrating with your family! Anna shared your link with us. We have been praying for you and Sydney for months now and are thankful to be able to see you all together. Congratulations! You have been incredibly blessed.
Warmest Regards,
Sam, Stacy, Chandler and Schuyler Noordhoff

p.s. Sam grew up in Taiwan, and Chandler thinks that she is Chinese (and that her Chinese friends are her sisters)....she has already adopted her friend Emma's cousin as her own.....

Elizabeth, Stephen, Chad, Alex, & William said...

We are thinking of y'all and thanking God for bringing you together in His perfect time. May God richly bless your beautiful family!

Love,
the Decherts

Elizabeth, Stephen, Chad, Alex, & William said...

We are thinking of y'all and thanking God for bringing you together in His perfect time. May God richly bless your beautiful family!

Love,
the Decherts

Vanesa Stenberg said...

Wow! I just found out about your wonderful news! I am so happy for you both! Sydney is so beautiful. The children and I are really enjoying your website. We are celebrating in your joy! Praise the Lord! What a precious family you are.

Love The Stenbergs

Alecia Everett said...

What great news. You all look so happy. Congrats on your new beautiful baby. We're very happy for you, what a blessing!
Love in Christ,
The Everetts
Dave, Alecia, Amanda, Stephen & Nicole)

Jodi McDermott said...

Amazing photos! I cannot tell you how the pictures almost brought me to tears. What a beautiful little girl. Those cheeks are to die for! Safe travels home.

Tom & Kipp Gutshall said...

Only God can prepare a match such as this one. Before either of you were born, He knew just who would arrive in your life at this time. Praise the Lord!! Tom & Kipp

Tom & Kipp Gutshall said...

Only God can prepare a match such as this one. Before either of you were born, He knew just who would arrive in your life at this time. Praise the Lord!! Tom & Kipp